SFIA Team Sports Conference Starts Today in Indianapolis

The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), in collaboration with the NFHS and the NCAA, will host the 2026 Team Sports Conference on Monday, April 27-Tuesday, April 28 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown – marking the 20th year of bringing the industry together.

The annual event convenes leaders across youth, school, collegiate, and professional sports, providing the opportunity to engage with peers, explore the key topics shaping our industry, and gain leading insights on what is ahead for 2026.

 

Expert-led sessions will explore topics shaping the future of team sports, including the role of AI, the continued growth of women’s sports, how global sporting moments can be leveraged to drive participation, and more. Attendees will also connect with peers, governing bodies, and decision-makers through council meetings and meaningful networking.

 

Confirmed Sessions and Speakers Include:

 

Leveling the Playing Field: Breaking Barriers for Women in Sports

• [Moderator] Susan Riley: Vice President, Brand Marketing and Campaigns, BSN Sports
• Allison Boersma: President & CEO, Riddell
• Madison Gates: Vice President of Marketing, i9 Sports
• Julie Roe Lach: Executive Vice President, Pacers Sports & Entertainment
  
   

The Winning Decade: Leveraging Global Events in the U.S. for Lasting Impact

• [Moderator] Melissa Thompson: Vice President, Bids & External Affairs, Indiana Sports Corp (ISC)
• Kyle Albrecht: President & CEO, USA Gymnastics
• Ryan Baise: Co-Founder and CEO, Youth Inc.
• Scott Hallenbeck: CEO, USA Football
• Marc Riccio: CEO, USA Lacrosse
  
   

From Service to Sports: Engaging and Empowering Veteran Talent Across the Sports Industry

• [Moderator] Glenn Horine, Chief Operating Officer, SFIA
• Jackie Chang: Vice President, Content Distribution, NHL; Board Member, U.S. Figure Skating; U.S. Army Veteran
• Colonel Jon Lauder: Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs; Advisory Council Member, NHL Foundation; U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
• Donald Remy: 9th Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs; Former Chief Legal and Operating Officer, NCAA
  
   

E-Commerce Chalk Talk: Excelling in Today’s Digital Consumer Landscape

• [Moderator] Lindsey Naber: Sr. Director, Partnership Marketing, Rawlings Sporting Goods
• Gary Goldberg: CEO, SquadLocker
• Kurt Hagen: Chief Innovation Officer, BSN Sports
• Daniel Kidera: Senior Director and Head of Federal Government Relations, Fanatics
  
   

The AI Playbook: How Technology and Innovation Are Reshaping Team Sports

• [Moderator] Mark O’Brien: President, CEO, and Board Director, LakePoint Sports
• Brooke Austin: Director, Digital Business Development, USTA
• Brian Page: Manager, MLB & Key Accounts, Rapsodo
• Liz Wanless: Director, Sport Innovation Institute, Indiana University Indianapolis
  
   

Rising to the Spotlight: The Evolution and Elevation of NCAA Women’s Sports

• [Moderator] Rachel Seewald: Director of Championships and Alliances, Playing Rules and Officiating, NCAA
• Julie Kimmons: Managing Director, Multimedia Strategy and Partnerships, NCAA
• Lynda Tealer: Senior Vice President, Championships and Alliances, NCAA 
  
   

State of the Industry

• Alex Kerman: Senior Director, Research Operations & Business Development, Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA)
  
   

Inside the High School Sports Arena: Top Initiatives Shaping the Path Forward

• Mark Koski: Chief Marketing Officer, NFHS
• Phil Rison: Executive Director, NIAAA
• Davis Whitfield: Chief Operating Officer, NFHS

Click here to learn more about our 2026 program.


Registration for the Team Sports Conference for SFIA members is $299, as well as for Non-Profit, Governing Body, Coach/Athletic Directors, and State Association Personnel attendees. Registration is $799 for non-members. 

 

Thank you to our Friends of SFIA who help make this event possible: adidas, New Balance, Franklin Sports, NFL, Nike, Rawlings Sporting Goods, and STX.